(Newser)
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With so much attention focused on Julian Assange, it’s easy to forget about the plight of accused leaker Bradley Manning—who has now been imprisoned for seven months without being convicted of any crime. In an extensive Salon piece, Glenn Greenwald lays out the case for why he believes that Manning’s solitary confinement constitutes “cruel and inhumane treatment and, by the standards of many nations, even torture.” Greenwald talks to people familiar with the conditions, including an official at the brig where Manning is being held, and cites numerous studies and expert opinions to come to his conclusions about torture.

Manning—despite never showing any signs of being a physical threat—has been declared a “Maximum Custody Detainee,” the highest level; he spends 23 out of every 24 hours completely alone. He is denied exercise—and is under constant supervision to enforce that—or even a pillow and sheets for his bed. Doctors have been dosing him with antidepressants to combat the adverse psychological effects of such an incarceration, but studies show it will likely prove to be damaging. Shameful treatment, Greenwald writes, especially considering Manning is “a whistleblower in the purest and most noble form: discovering government secrets of criminal and corrupt acts and then publicizing them to the world not for profit, not to give other nations an edge, but to trigger ‘worldwide discussion, debates, and reforms.’” Click for more of his in-depth piece.

Bradley Manning Is Being Tortured? What a bullshit/misleading headline; the writer needs to be fired for this cheap sensationalism. For a second there I thought our boy was being waterboarded or physically harmed. If you want to see inhumane treatment set this dirtbag out in the general military prison population. With all the military prisoners whom have pulled tours in Southwest Asia and have had buds killed Pvt Manning would not be survivng very long in this type of environment. Keep him locked up for his own safety (as if I give a hoot); No pity here.

davebruder

Dec 19, 2010 3:34 PM CST

The rights Pvt Manning is accorded are under military justice, which is not the same as citizenry under the Constitution. Pvt Manning is under the Military Court of Justice, and adjudicated by military judges and the President. Providing classified information, even if thought in a noble cause, is still considered treason if it benefits adversaries of the USA. Citizenry rights are waived when one joins the military, and to some extent, for reasons such as this. This is why John Pollard, who thought that secrets of which he was in possession were harmful to even an ally such as Israel, was found guilty and given a life sentence.

AndJusticeForAll

Dec 19, 2010 1:29 PM CST

Wow, I almost went blind reading this story and all of the posts. Seems like as usual there's a collection of shit house lawyers and even vigilantes. Someone reading the authors' account might get the impression we're starting up a Gitmo here. Private Manning as I understand has been charged. Well, why don't we let this play out according to the UCMJ, which I admit being a little rusty on, and/or the Constitution on which I'm less rusty on. He hasn't been CONVICTED of anything yet but there's some who are ready to squeeze the trigger. Listen folks, we're supposed to be fighting terrorism, right? How can we regain our respect with the rest of the world acting like this. It's the pot calling the kettle black. At one time this country was held in high esteem but it's slipping down the hill like a runaway sled and we have ourselves to blame for not being active in our affairs. Step 1-Exit SUV, Step 2-Remove head from ass, Step 3-Remove nose from sports page, Step 4-Go over to neighbor and ask to do the same.